Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Sizzling Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe – A Flavorful Delight

Crafting delectable asian chicken meatballs brings pure culinary joy to dinner tables everywhere.

Soft, juicy spheres packed with vibrant spices promise an unforgettable meal.

Lean protein meets bold seasonings in this simple yet stunning dish.

Aromatic herbs and carefully selected ingredients create magic within each bite-sized morsel.

Quick preparation makes these meatballs perfect for busy weeknight cooking adventures.

Fragrant ginger and green onions dance through the mixture, ensuring maximum flavor complexity.

Serving these delightful morsels will definitely spark conversation and excitement around your dining space.

Just follow these steps to unleash an incredible taste experience that everyone will adore.

Meatball FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and provides a similar texture and flavor profile for the meatballs.

  • How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

  • What if I don't have rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar make excellent substitutes with similar acidic properties for the sauce.

  • Is there a way to make these meatballs spicier?

Add some sriracha sauce to the meatball mixture or include red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.

Asian Chicken Meatballs Full of Flavor

  • Elevate Weeknight Dinners with Asian Chicken Meatballs
  • Prepare these delectable meatballs in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families craving homemade flavor without extensive cooking time.
  • Serve as a main dish over rice, toss into noodles, or present as an irresistible party appetizer that satisfies both kids and adults with bold Asian-inspired tastes.
  • Packed with lean chicken and nutrient-rich ingredients, these meatballs deliver protein-packed goodness while offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried options.
  • Bake instead of fry, reducing mess and calories while achieving golden, perfectly cooked meatballs that require minimal culinary expertise and kitchen cleanup.

Everything You’ll Need for a Bold Bite

Protein Base:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for meatballs, great for light and healthy dish, choose fresh ground chicken with moderate fat content.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Egg: Helps hold meatballs together, keeps texture moist and compact, panko breadcrumbs work best for lighter texture.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Ginger, Green Onions: Provides classic Asian aromatic profile, fresh ingredients offer more intense flavor compared to dried versions.
  • Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Adds deep umami and nutty undertones, authentic Asian flavor foundation.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasoning for balanced taste.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce: Creates sweet and tangy sauce base, balances meatball flavors.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce, provides glossy and smooth consistency.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds final aromatic touch to sauce.
Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Provides visual appeal and extra crunch, fresh green onions add brightness.

Step-by-Step to Make Juicy Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease surface.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

Combine ingredients in large mixing bowl:
  • Ground chicken
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped green onions
  • Ginger
  • Soy sauce
  • Egg
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape Delicious Balls

Scoop mixture and roll into round meatballs. Aim for uniform size to ensure consistent cooking. Place meatballs on prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between each.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Place meatballs in preheated oven. Cook for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Meatballs should look crispy and appetizing.

Step 5: Craft Tangy Sauce

In saucepan, whisk together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Minced ginger
  • Crushed garlic

Simmer sauce over medium heat. Create cornstarch slurry and add to thicken sauce. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Glaze And Finish

Transfer baked meatballs to large bowl. Pour warm sauce over meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly.

Step 7: Serve With Style

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Baking or Pan-Frying With Ease

  • Boost Meat Moisture: Add grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to keep chicken meatballs tender and juicy without changing the flavor profile.
  • Master Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly coats every meatball.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust heat by adding sriracha, red pepper flakes, or gochujang directly into the meatball mixture for personalized spiciness.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare meatballs ahead and freeze uncooked. Thaw overnight and bake fresh for quick weeknight dinners with minimal preparation time.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Reheat Without Drying Out These Bites

  • Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm meatballs at 350F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they reach 165F internal temperature. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Add a splash of water or sauce to maintain moisture.

Sauces and Sides to Serve Alongside

  • Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the savory and tangy flavors of the Asian chicken meatballs, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
  • Serve the meatballs over fluffy jasmine rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce and provides a neutral backdrop that enhances the dish's complex flavor profile.
  • Create a crunchy side of shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro dressed in a light rice vinegar and sesame oil vinaigrette to add fresh texture and complement the meatballs' rich sauce.
  • Prepare quick pickled cucumber or radish slices to provide a sharp, tangy contrast that cuts through the meatballs' sweetness and adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Variations with Heat or Herbs

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a celiac-friendly alternative.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and adjust seasoning to maintain umami-rich taste.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. Incorporate chili oil or extra hot sauce into the coating sauce for heat lovers seeking a more intense flavor experience.
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Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor the irresistible flavors of Asian Chicken Meatballs, a delightful culinary journey through bold, zesty spices. Packed with umami goodness and perfect for quick weeknight dinners, you’ll crave these juicy, flavor-packed morsels that bring international flair to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground chicken

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 egg (lightly beaten)
  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 2 green onions (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons water

Optional Garnishes:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
  2. Create the meatball mixture by thoroughly combining all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures.
  3. Form uniform spherical meatballs using tablespoon-sized portions, gently rolling each between your palms to create smooth, compact orbs.
  4. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing to promote even cooking and golden exterior development.
  5. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 15-18 minutes, monitoring until they reach a golden-brown exterior and achieve an internal temperature of 165F.
  6. Simultaneously craft the glaze by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and crushed garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Enhance the sauce’s consistency by introducing a cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thickened coating.
  8. Transfer the freshly baked meatballs to a large mixing bowl and delicately cascade the aromatic sauce over them, gently tumbling to ensure complete and uniform coverage.
  9. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions as a vibrant, flavorful garnish.
  10. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, rice noodles, or present as an elegant appetizer for guests to enjoy.

Notes

  • Optimize meat moisture by using a mix of ground chicken thighs and breasts for juicier, more flavorful meatballs.
  • Chill the meatball mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help them hold together better and prevent crumbling during baking.
  • Swap ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar texture if preferred, ensuring lean-to-fat ratio stays consistent.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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